Wildlife

Supporting Hedgehog Welfare in Gardens and Urban Areas

Practical steps to make gardens safer and more welcoming for hedgehogs.

Key Facts

Hedgehog populations have declined by over 30% since 2000 in the UK
Gardens now represent a crucial habitat as countryside populations fall
Bonfire and strimmer injuries are significant mortality causes
Hedgehog highways connect gardens and allow movement across territories

Welfare Considerations

Urban hedgehogs face fragmented habitats, road danger, pesticide exposure, and accidental injury from garden machinery. Welfare-focused gardening creates connected habitat networks, removes netting hazards, uses wildlife-friendly slug controls, and leaves areas of rough vegetation for nesting. Supplementary feeding helps during drought and winter preparation.

What You Can Do

Create a hedgehog hole in your fence to connect with neighbours
Check bonfire sites before lighting and strimmers before use
Use wildlife-friendly alternatives to slug pellets containing metaldehyde